WASHINGTON – The African American Ministers Leadership Council, a program of People For the American Way Foundation, responded to today’s anti-immigrant rally, the “DC March for Jobs,” organized by the Black American Leadership Alliance.

“For decades, anti-immigrant groups have tried to pit Black Americans against our Latino brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors,” said Minister Leslie Watson Malachi, Director of the African American Ministers Leadership Council. “It hasn’t worked yet, and it isn’t working now. We know that vibrant diversity is our country’s strength. But too many of those behind this march see it as a weakness.”

As affiliate People For the American Way’s Right Wing Watch has reported[1], the Black American Leadership Alliance is a new front group for the network of anti-immigrant groups linked to white nationalist John Tanton. Far from being the grassroots group it purports to be, it is instead headed by a handful of longtime anti-immigrant activist and fringe right-wing pundits.

Several members of Congress are scheduled to speak at the rally, including Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. Jeff Sessions and Rep. Steve King.

“Far from showing a diverse anti-immigrant coalition, this rally just proves that the anti-immigrant movement hasn’t changed one bit,” added Minister Watson. “Strong majorities of Americans, including African Americans, support the creation of a realistic, common-sense immigration policy. And as faith leaders, we will continue to advocate for public policy that lifts up the downtrodden and gives a voice to the marginalized.”

People For the American Way Foundation's African American Ministers Leadership Council represents an ecumenical alliance of 1,500 African-American clergy working toward equality, justice and opportunity for all.